We love when the weather starts to warm up, because we can finally emerge from our parkas and have a little more fun with our outerwear.
Intentional layering is key, here. Sure, you can throw any old windbreaker on and call it a day, but putting just a little extra thought into your look will make a huge difference in your style. Here are three essential pieces that will make looking good a breeze.
The Mac Coat
What it is: A mac coat is like a toned-down trench. It has the length and fit that make a trench elegant, but fewer embellishments and a cleaner silhouette. It’s single breasted, with either a button or a zipper closure. They’re often weather resistant, making them a great choice as a rain jacket.
Why it’s essential: A mac coat can be worn for just about any occasion. It’s more grown up than a denim jacket, but not so dressy that you’ll look out of place at a pub. It can be worn casually with jeans, but it can also be dressed up and worn over a suit.
How to style it: For a refined yet practical look, style a mac coat over your everyday business attire. Choose an earth tone and wear it with any combination of blue. We like a navy trouser with a dark blue sport jacket and a butcher’s stripe dress shirt. Worn with a sage mac coat like the one above, it’s a look that will never go out of style.
The Vest
What it is: It’s important to distinguish our preferences for spring vests here. We’re not talking about waistcoats or fleece Columbia vests. What you should be looking for this season is something that will add a layer of intentional detail. Avoid looking like McLovin’ or your great uncle who spends his days on a fishing boat. Our top choices are lightweight down-filled vests and sleek flight-jacket inspired looks.
Why it’s essential: Vests are often overlooked when it comes to spring layers, but they can really refine your look without adding too much bulk. Our top choices are lightweight down-filled vests and sleek casual styles.
How to style it: Wear a vest as an outerwear piece over a lux sweater, or wear it layered under sport jackets and other outerwear. Keep it casual but classy with some light wash jeans, a cashmere sweater, and a pop of colour underneath, like a pink t-shirt. The vest layered overtop adds dimension without being flashy.
The Bomber Jacket
What it is: The bomber jacket has been around since the pilots began wearing them in World War I. It crossed over into mainstream style in the 1950s and ‘60s and hasn’t budged since. It creates a masculine silhouette with a bulky body and sleeve, and typically features an elasticized band at the waist and cuffs to keep the wind out.
Why it’s essential: The bomber jacket is having a moment, but it really is a timeless casual look, despite continually reinventing itself. Depending on the cut and fabric, a bomber can sit anywhere on the scale between biker to preppy.
How to style it: You really can’t mess up a bomber. Take a cue from Marlon Brando and wear a leather or satin bomber with a simple t-shirt. We’ve updated the look with distressed grey jeans, but black jeans also work well.
